11 Temmuz 2012 Çarşamba
10 Temmuz 2012 Salı
9 Temmuz 2012 Pazartesi
Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve
To contact us Click HERE
• Put a good Scotch whisky in a mixture of 70%-30% Olorosso Sherry and American White Oak casks, and you come up with this winner.
I haven't smoked in a quarter-century, but I still fondly recall the aroma of a fine cigar accompanied by a fine whisky. Sampling the Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve put me back in those more carefree, and careless, times.
The initial slight cigar-smoke nose, with backnotes of lighter tobacco, loamy soil, caramel and spice, promise the palate a good time. Then, true to that promise, comes an alluring, rich taste experience.
A surprising number of fruit notes emerge as one lets the amber liquid loll on the tongue -- pineapple, mango, kiwi -- along with the expected toffee and vanilla.
This whisky is matured for most of its life in Oloroso Matusalem sherry butts and bottled at 44% alcohol by volume (88 proof). Even without a cigar, it's a fine, fine dram. So fine, in fact, that it earned a gold medal in the Beverage Tasting Institute's global competition in June.
Suggested retail price: $125 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
• Put a good Scotch whisky in a mixture of 70%-30% Olorosso Sherry and American White Oak casks, and you come up with this winner.I haven't smoked in a quarter-century, but I still fondly recall the aroma of a fine cigar accompanied by a fine whisky. Sampling the Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve put me back in those more carefree, and careless, times.
The initial slight cigar-smoke nose, with backnotes of lighter tobacco, loamy soil, caramel and spice, promise the palate a good time. Then, true to that promise, comes an alluring, rich taste experience.
A surprising number of fruit notes emerge as one lets the amber liquid loll on the tongue -- pineapple, mango, kiwi -- along with the expected toffee and vanilla.
This whisky is matured for most of its life in Oloroso Matusalem sherry butts and bottled at 44% alcohol by volume (88 proof). Even without a cigar, it's a fine, fine dram. So fine, in fact, that it earned a gold medal in the Beverage Tasting Institute's global competition in June.
Suggested retail price: $125 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
MacKinlay Rare Old Highland Malt
To contact us Click HERE
• The saga of Shackleton's whisky -- the discovery in early 2007 of a cache of spirits left behind by an early 20th Century expedition to the South Pole -- has all the elements of derring-do from an era when men and their potables were rustic, burly and beyond the scope of mortals.
Recreating a legend seldom fares well. Witness the flops we saw in trying to revive "Charlie's Angels" on TV this season. But, such dangers did not deter its makers from producing Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt.
The saga began during explorer Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition of 1907-1909. He and his group barely escaped alive, and left behind 100 cases of Mackinlay’s. Fast forward to February 2007 and we have other explorers unearthing -- or de-icing -- the whisky stash. It was dispatched to Whyte & Mackay, the original brand owner. There, master blender Richard Paterson headed up a team that sought to recreate the original spirit.
What they wound up is a blend of whiskies, some as old as 30, that is somewhat shy yet spicy at first imporession. As it opens, we are treated to notes of melon, cinnamon, vanilla, leather and menthol that Paterson and company found in the original flavor.
Since it is based on the flavor profile of a historical oddity rather than on a major prize-winner, I didn't know what to be prepared for but I was pleased with what I got. A lingering, slightly sweet finish makes a nice finish with a lot less bite than in the original impact.
Suggested retail price: $150-plus for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
• The saga of Shackleton's whisky -- the discovery in early 2007 of a cache of spirits left behind by an early 20th Century expedition to the South Pole -- has all the elements of derring-do from an era when men and their potables were rustic, burly and beyond the scope of mortals.Recreating a legend seldom fares well. Witness the flops we saw in trying to revive "Charlie's Angels" on TV this season. But, such dangers did not deter its makers from producing Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt.
The saga began during explorer Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition of 1907-1909. He and his group barely escaped alive, and left behind 100 cases of Mackinlay’s. Fast forward to February 2007 and we have other explorers unearthing -- or de-icing -- the whisky stash. It was dispatched to Whyte & Mackay, the original brand owner. There, master blender Richard Paterson headed up a team that sought to recreate the original spirit.
What they wound up is a blend of whiskies, some as old as 30, that is somewhat shy yet spicy at first imporession. As it opens, we are treated to notes of melon, cinnamon, vanilla, leather and menthol that Paterson and company found in the original flavor.
Since it is based on the flavor profile of a historical oddity rather than on a major prize-winner, I didn't know what to be prepared for but I was pleased with what I got. A lingering, slightly sweet finish makes a nice finish with a lot less bite than in the original impact.
Suggested retail price: $150-plus for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
White Pike Whiskey
To contact us Click HERE
• The popularity of the market niche for unaged whiskey among American craft distillers shows no signs of slowing. In fact just the opposite. One of the latest players is a New York State white spirit its makers boast is "aged 18 minutes in reused cooperage."
"Crafted by a man trained in the Alabama school of fast whiskey, White Pike is a refined spirit made to be shot, sipped, or mixed."
I presume that quote from Finger Lakes Distilling refers to Thomas Earl McKenzie, one of the two unrelated McKenzies who make this burgeoning Upstate New York company one of the hottest craft distillers around.
White Pike is made from a mash of 59% corn, 28% organic spelt and 13% malted wheat. Despite its lack of aging, the malted wheat provides a bit of a woody taste that smooths the edges of what usually is a sharp product. It is warm and slightly syrupy on the tongue, surprisingly light on the palate and provides a clean finish that pure-corn unaged spirits often miss.
It is bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof) and packaged in a bottle that is half black and half clear, making it stand out on the shelf.
White Pike is sort of a co-op project with Mother New York, a decidedly offbeat company that lists its services as "Creating White Pike Advertising, Design, Misc. festivities, Short films, Longer films, Puppetry, Fine spirits, Internet things, Video games, High quality still photography, Business cards, Sausage making, etc."
The corn and wheat come from the Burdett, Seneca County, area, where the distillery is located. The spelt is imported from nearby Canadian growers.
Retail price: $39.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
• The popularity of the market niche for unaged whiskey among American craft distillers shows no signs of slowing. In fact just the opposite. One of the latest players is a New York State white spirit its makers boast is "aged 18 minutes in reused cooperage." "Crafted by a man trained in the Alabama school of fast whiskey, White Pike is a refined spirit made to be shot, sipped, or mixed."
I presume that quote from Finger Lakes Distilling refers to Thomas Earl McKenzie, one of the two unrelated McKenzies who make this burgeoning Upstate New York company one of the hottest craft distillers around.
White Pike is made from a mash of 59% corn, 28% organic spelt and 13% malted wheat. Despite its lack of aging, the malted wheat provides a bit of a woody taste that smooths the edges of what usually is a sharp product. It is warm and slightly syrupy on the tongue, surprisingly light on the palate and provides a clean finish that pure-corn unaged spirits often miss.
It is bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof) and packaged in a bottle that is half black and half clear, making it stand out on the shelf.
White Pike is sort of a co-op project with Mother New York, a decidedly offbeat company that lists its services as "Creating White Pike Advertising, Design, Misc. festivities, Short films, Longer films, Puppetry, Fine spirits, Internet things, Video games, High quality still photography, Business cards, Sausage making, etc."
The corn and wheat come from the Burdett, Seneca County, area, where the distillery is located. The spelt is imported from nearby Canadian growers.
Retail price: $39.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
Knob Creek Rye Whiskey
To contact us Click HERE
• Knob Creek is among bourbon royalty, running up more sales than any other in the super premium category. Now, it is about to release a new whiskey to get into the competition in a resurgent category -- rye.
Fred Noe is in the direct line of distillers from the Beam family that has give us some of the best American whiskeys for generations. This new product, which will go on the market in July, comes two decades after his father, Booker Noe, created Knob Creek Bourbon.
This is Fred's second Knob Creek expression, the first one released last year under the Single Barrel Reserve name. It was a hit, and there is no reason his rye whiskey shouldn't follow suit.
I tried it both straight -- with an ice cube to help open it up -- as well as in a Manhattan, and give it an eager thumbs-up both ways.
The light amber color and the spiciness of the rye mash on the nose are immediately appealing. The bold flavor, with notes of herbs, oak and vanilla usually found in good bourbons, is pleasing, but the kick of the rye adds another layer of pleasure. In combination with sweet vermouth, it is powerful enough to maintain its own character while easily blending with the other spirit for an excellent drink.
The whiskey is bottled at 100 proof (50% abv) in the same-shaped bottle as Knob Creek bourbon.
Suggested retail price: $40.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
• Knob Creek is among bourbon royalty, running up more sales than any other in the super premium category. Now, it is about to release a new whiskey to get into the competition in a resurgent category -- rye.Fred Noe is in the direct line of distillers from the Beam family that has give us some of the best American whiskeys for generations. This new product, which will go on the market in July, comes two decades after his father, Booker Noe, created Knob Creek Bourbon.
This is Fred's second Knob Creek expression, the first one released last year under the Single Barrel Reserve name. It was a hit, and there is no reason his rye whiskey shouldn't follow suit.
I tried it both straight -- with an ice cube to help open it up -- as well as in a Manhattan, and give it an eager thumbs-up both ways.
The light amber color and the spiciness of the rye mash on the nose are immediately appealing. The bold flavor, with notes of herbs, oak and vanilla usually found in good bourbons, is pleasing, but the kick of the rye adds another layer of pleasure. In combination with sweet vermouth, it is powerful enough to maintain its own character while easily blending with the other spirit for an excellent drink.
The whiskey is bottled at 100 proof (50% abv) in the same-shaped bottle as Knob Creek bourbon.
Suggested retail price: $40.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry
To contact us Click HERE
• The industry push to crank out more and more flavored whiskies -- aimed primarily at the female and young adult market niches -- is embracing numerous brands. Here, an iconic old label has joined the rush once more.
Southern Comfort missed the mark in its try for something different in the form of Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper, which debuted last fall. Now, it's back for another go-round, this time with Bold Black Cherry. They may have tried too hard.
As I have found with several other cherry-flavored spirits, the cherry is rather treacly and overpowering.
The sample I received came packaged with a Coke Zero, and the urging to try the two beverages as a cocktail. Even though Coke Zero has no calories, it does have its own sweet taste, and the cocktail ingredients did not enhance either of them. In fact, the various flavors clashed on all levels.
The original Southern Comfort is itself a flavored whiskey -- notes of peach, oak, honey and a tiny touch of spice -- but the distiller doesn't seem to be breaking any real ground with its latest attempts to broaden the product line.
It would, however, be a shame to think that it won't somewhere along the line find a fitting portfolio-mate to the original Southern Comfort created by a bartender in the New Orleans French Quarter way back in 1874.
Bold Black Cherry is bottled at 35% abv (70 proof).
Suggested retail price: $16.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
• The industry push to crank out more and more flavored whiskies -- aimed primarily at the female and young adult market niches -- is embracing numerous brands. Here, an iconic old label has joined the rush once more.Southern Comfort missed the mark in its try for something different in the form of Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper, which debuted last fall. Now, it's back for another go-round, this time with Bold Black Cherry. They may have tried too hard.
As I have found with several other cherry-flavored spirits, the cherry is rather treacly and overpowering.
The sample I received came packaged with a Coke Zero, and the urging to try the two beverages as a cocktail. Even though Coke Zero has no calories, it does have its own sweet taste, and the cocktail ingredients did not enhance either of them. In fact, the various flavors clashed on all levels.
The original Southern Comfort is itself a flavored whiskey -- notes of peach, oak, honey and a tiny touch of spice -- but the distiller doesn't seem to be breaking any real ground with its latest attempts to broaden the product line.
It would, however, be a shame to think that it won't somewhere along the line find a fitting portfolio-mate to the original Southern Comfort created by a bartender in the New Orleans French Quarter way back in 1874.
Bold Black Cherry is bottled at 35% abv (70 proof).
Suggested retail price: $16.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
8 Temmuz 2012 Pazar
Pororo Cafe (South Korea)
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Today the family ventured off on a mission to find this Pororo Cafe. If you don't know what Pororo is, its a Korean cartoon that is actually pretty cute. My girls love LOVE love the cartoon. Pororo is a penguin and he is the main character of the cartoon. Pororo is well know here just as much as Hello Kitty is.
So we drove and drove to find this place. It is about an hour away from where we live which is close to Seoul. It was a little difficult to find the place. Korean addresses are not the easiest things to type in the GPS. When we got to the destination it was this HUGE mall that looks brand new in the middle of no where pretty much. The mall is outdoors but it was beautifully built. Most of the stores are high end brands.
Pororo cafe is located on the 3rd floor of Building A. We were able to find parking right away. Then again it was early on a Sunday morning (the best time to really do anything in Korea it seems). The place is so brand new that they have not built parking garages yet so there is a designated gravel area where you park. The food court was also located on the 3rd floor. It all looked delicious and they have tons of options. We saw a Jamba juice, Cold Stone, Krispy Creme just to name a few of the American-ish places. There obviously is American, Korean and other choices are there for your picking. Also TONS of coffee places. If you know my husband and I well enough when we are out in the Korean world of our life we like to try new Korean foods. I totally forgot to take a picture of what we got. He got cheese stuffed breaded pork cutlets, and I got beef and tofu soup. Yum yum! Our oldest is not a fan of Korean food but the lil monster loves trying new things and she approved. We defiantly will go back here for the food.
After eating lunch we strolled through the outdoor play ground they have. To bad it was FREEZING or we would have stopped and played for a bit. If you keep walking past the playground to the right a little ways is the Pororo cafe. You can tell its the cafe because of all the Pororo toys sitting in the window. The girls got revved up with excitement. For the four of us to go it cost 32,000 won which is a little less than $30. Personally I feel that the cost was a little steep for what they offered. There was only 4 choices for the kids to play on. There was a train that only "departs" every 20ish minutes. Its a small train too. Also there is the Pororo house and a ball pit and an inflatable jumping ship. The cafe did not have a whole lot to choose from other than coffees, teas, desserts, and little bite sized food. Of course over priced. There was also Cold Stone Creamery inside of there as well. I am defiantly glad we ate before we got inside because the food did not look appetizing at all. Well, other than the ice cream that is hahaha!
The girls played for 2 hours which was enough for them. Their attention span is very limited and for the most part they stayed in the ball pit. Overall I would say it was a good experience because we got out of the house on a cold day, got to spend it together as a family and had a pretty good time with laughter. I just wish the prices were more decent. Oh well - it is what it is and the girls are more than worth it. Below I included the link to the website where you can find Pororo cafe and it has the address on there. I would not be able to tell you driving directions. Sorry. GPS would work best here because if you dont know where your're going it is REALLY easy to get lost when trying to find this place.
http://paju.lotteoutlets.com/pj_English/introduction/location.html
Today the family ventured off on a mission to find this Pororo Cafe. If you don't know what Pororo is, its a Korean cartoon that is actually pretty cute. My girls love LOVE love the cartoon. Pororo is a penguin and he is the main character of the cartoon. Pororo is well know here just as much as Hello Kitty is.
So we drove and drove to find this place. It is about an hour away from where we live which is close to Seoul. It was a little difficult to find the place. Korean addresses are not the easiest things to type in the GPS. When we got to the destination it was this HUGE mall that looks brand new in the middle of no where pretty much. The mall is outdoors but it was beautifully built. Most of the stores are high end brands.
Pororo cafe is located on the 3rd floor of Building A. We were able to find parking right away. Then again it was early on a Sunday morning (the best time to really do anything in Korea it seems). The place is so brand new that they have not built parking garages yet so there is a designated gravel area where you park. The food court was also located on the 3rd floor. It all looked delicious and they have tons of options. We saw a Jamba juice, Cold Stone, Krispy Creme just to name a few of the American-ish places. There obviously is American, Korean and other choices are there for your picking. Also TONS of coffee places. If you know my husband and I well enough when we are out in the Korean world of our life we like to try new Korean foods. I totally forgot to take a picture of what we got. He got cheese stuffed breaded pork cutlets, and I got beef and tofu soup. Yum yum! Our oldest is not a fan of Korean food but the lil monster loves trying new things and she approved. We defiantly will go back here for the food.
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| Prices |
The girls played for 2 hours which was enough for them. Their attention span is very limited and for the most part they stayed in the ball pit. Overall I would say it was a good experience because we got out of the house on a cold day, got to spend it together as a family and had a pretty good time with laughter. I just wish the prices were more decent. Oh well - it is what it is and the girls are more than worth it. Below I included the link to the website where you can find Pororo cafe and it has the address on there. I would not be able to tell you driving directions. Sorry. GPS would work best here because if you dont know where your're going it is REALLY easy to get lost when trying to find this place. |
| This is what the Mall looks like from the freeway. Not the best picture but it helps to know what it kinda looks like... |
http://paju.lotteoutlets.com/pj_English/introduction/location.html
The "Pantry" Shrimp Tacos
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SO why do I call these "The Pantry" Shrimp Tacos? Because I literally found what we had in the pantry and threw these delicious tacos together! These tacos are so EASY and fast to make, and definitely will satisfy! Crispy, a little fried, and still healthy!
**TIPS AND HINTS**
Now... for the recipe!!
Ingredients
Salsa
1/2 lime
Cilantro
1/2 Papaya or mango OR BOTH!!
1/2 small Red onion
1 large tomato
1 frozen bag of shrimp
1 1/2 cup of flower
1/4 teaspoon of cumin
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt (I used 1/2 teaspoon of garlic instead of garlic powder and salt)
1/4 teaspoon of pepper
2 Tablespoons of oil (YES THATS IT!)
Corn or flour tortillas
sour cream
your choice of cheese
Now the directions are very easy!!!
First chop up the onion, tomato, cilantro, and papaya. Mix together in a bowl, squeeze half a lime (or more!) over your salsa and mix together.
While you chopping your veggies, IF you used frozen shrimp you can thaw on a very low setting on the stove, Just until the ice is melted. Shrimp should not be cooked through. If some cook however, that is fine! Drain in a strainer, and place shrimp on a paper towel and lightly dry shrimp.
Next heat your oil on medium heat, while oil is heating mix your flour, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Toss in shrimp until coated.
Then using tongs, or a large serving spoon transfer shrimp from flour batter to the oil pan. Fry a few minutes on each side, until pink. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel.
Then make your Tacos! I used the same pan and poured out remaining oil, then heated large flour tortillas until crispy (however I always recommend using corn tortillas for a better taste). We topped ours with goats cheese (any cheese will work) and sour cream. Squeeze a lime over the top, and they are finished! Enjoy this recipe and remember you can alter, add and substitute anything you feel would add to it!!
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| The Pantry Shrimp Tacos |
- If you have sliced avocado or guacamole, it would make a great addition to this dish!
- Corn tortillas are always ideal for tacos in my opinion.
- You can add any veggies you would like to the salsa. I substituted Papaya for mango because it was what we had, but it was very good and very similar to mango.
- And recipes for fish taco sauce or shrimp taco sauce would be a great addition!!
- Rice and beans made a perfect addition to make this a full meal.
- this recipe is not a "deep fry" and requires only a little oil, and small amount of batter to make the shrimp crispy and delicious.
Now... for the recipe!!
Ingredients
Salsa
1/2 lime
Cilantro
1/2 Papaya or mango OR BOTH!!
1/2 small Red onion
1 large tomato
1 frozen bag of shrimp
1 1/2 cup of flower
1/4 teaspoon of cumin
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt (I used 1/2 teaspoon of garlic instead of garlic powder and salt)
1/4 teaspoon of pepper
2 Tablespoons of oil (YES THATS IT!)
Corn or flour tortillas
sour cream
your choice of cheese
Now the directions are very easy!!!
First chop up the onion, tomato, cilantro, and papaya. Mix together in a bowl, squeeze half a lime (or more!) over your salsa and mix together.
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| Originally I wanted to use Mango instead of papaya but papaya is what we had, and still tasted great!! I would however add slices of avocado on the side if I had avocado available. |
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| My shrimp after I thawed them. As you can see some where cooked partially and some still raw. This is OK. |
Next heat your oil on medium heat, while oil is heating mix your flour, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Toss in shrimp until coated.
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| I tossed my shrimp in my flour mixture. As you can see it does not need to be heavily coated. I used tongs to transfer from my bowl to my hot oil pan. |
Then using tongs, or a large serving spoon transfer shrimp from flour batter to the oil pan. Fry a few minutes on each side, until pink. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel.
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| My crispy shrimp after frying for a few minutes. |
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| Finished tacos! SO DELICIOUS! |
Pinterest Spaghetti Calzone Review and tips
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I finally decided to try the spaghetti calzone from pinterest, after I heard so many raves and reviews about it! On pinterest the recipe is called Braided spaghetti bread.
Here is a link to the original recipe braided spaghetti bread
Instead of using the bread like on the original recipe I used the Rhodes rolls. Thawed them from about 2 hours, used 12 rolls, stuck the rest in the fridge and used them to make bear claws the next morning! Bear claw recipe will be next to follow!
They were pretty easy to roll out, and it was nice have extra for something sweet!
For sauce I picked a tasty sauce that I would enjoy. For me I love Garlic so I Picked garlic red sauce. I did not need the whole can, about 3/4 I used.
The biggest change, is I added meat! I added ground turkey, and I used thin spaghetti. After I boiled the spaghetti, warmed the sauce and cooked the meat, I added it all to the same pan. Remember because of the meat you will need less sauce and less spaghetti!
Also I used goats cheese because of my allergy. After I braided the bread, for the top, I used a bit of garlic salt along with the parsley flakes. If you love garlic bead, its PERFECT for this recipe!
I checked on my calzone often, and making sure the top was not to brown. When it had a nice golden brown top, I covered with tin foil for the rest of the cook time (which was about 10 more minutes).
After the calzone was done cooking we could not wait to dig in! It was DELICIOUS, I love to add a little hot sauce to mine, mostly Tapatio!
Hope you found this review, and tips helpful!
Here is a link to the original recipe braided spaghetti bread
Instead of using the bread like on the original recipe I used the Rhodes rolls. Thawed them from about 2 hours, used 12 rolls, stuck the rest in the fridge and used them to make bear claws the next morning! Bear claw recipe will be next to follow!
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| Found in the frozen food section! |
For sauce I picked a tasty sauce that I would enjoy. For me I love Garlic so I Picked garlic red sauce. I did not need the whole can, about 3/4 I used.
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| My personal favorite brand. The spicy red pepper is also good! |
The biggest change, is I added meat! I added ground turkey, and I used thin spaghetti. After I boiled the spaghetti, warmed the sauce and cooked the meat, I added it all to the same pan. Remember because of the meat you will need less sauce and less spaghetti!
Also I used goats cheese because of my allergy. After I braided the bread, for the top, I used a bit of garlic salt along with the parsley flakes. If you love garlic bead, its PERFECT for this recipe!
I checked on my calzone often, and making sure the top was not to brown. When it had a nice golden brown top, I covered with tin foil for the rest of the cook time (which was about 10 more minutes).
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| Right before adding tin foil. |
After the calzone was done cooking we could not wait to dig in! It was DELICIOUS, I love to add a little hot sauce to mine, mostly Tapatio!
Hope you found this review, and tips helpful!
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| An beginners Pizza calzone, but still looked tasty! |
No Bake Cookies
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My girls wanted some chocolate cookies. I figured lets make today a fun play and bake day so I decided to have them make a No Bake Cookie. This cookie does not have eggs or flour. It is a healthier alternative to the pre-package FULL sugar and FULL additive cookies you find in the store. Seriously no one will know the difference because they are DE-LISH! So heres the 'cipe:
No Bake Cookies:1 1/8 cup Raw Sugar1 stick butter (I used unsalted but you can use salted if you like that sweet with salty)3 tablespoons cocoa powder (un-sweetended)1/2 cup milk1/2-2/3 cup extra crunchy peanut butter1 teaspoon vanilla extract3 1/4 cups old fashioned oatmeal (not the quick cook kind)
Place the sugar, butter, cocoa and milk in a 2 quart sauce pan. Place over medium high heat and stir until butter is completely melted. Take off heat and immediately put peanut butter and vanilla in the pot. Stir until peanut butter is melted. Then stir in the oatmeal. See the chocolate goodness? Mmmm! Spoon onto parchment paper. You can choose the size of the cookies you want. I made mine the size of a normal cookie. Allow the cookies to cool and set completely. When done watch the kiddos and adults devour!!
No Bake Cookies:1 1/8 cup Raw Sugar1 stick butter (I used unsalted but you can use salted if you like that sweet with salty)3 tablespoons cocoa powder (un-sweetended)1/2 cup milk1/2-2/3 cup extra crunchy peanut butter1 teaspoon vanilla extract3 1/4 cups old fashioned oatmeal (not the quick cook kind)Place the sugar, butter, cocoa and milk in a 2 quart sauce pan. Place over medium high heat and stir until butter is completely melted. Take off heat and immediately put peanut butter and vanilla in the pot. Stir until peanut butter is melted. Then stir in the oatmeal. See the chocolate goodness? Mmmm! Spoon onto parchment paper. You can choose the size of the cookies you want. I made mine the size of a normal cookie. Allow the cookies to cool and set completely. When done watch the kiddos and adults devour!!
3 Ingredient Strawberry Ice Cream
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It is finally spring time! With the weather nicer out I figured its time to post this delicious recipe. It is a 3 ingredient ice cream. I changed it a little to my preference.
At first I was doubtful. 3 ingredients? Really? Could it work? Yet again the "clean" factor of making my own food got me. The price factor is about the same amount as buying store bought-packed full of preservative ice cream. The price all depends on the ingredients you get and how much your store is charging for those items. I also calculated out how much the ice cream calorie wise would be and the light bulb of "NOW I know WHY ice cream is FULL of CALORIES" turned on. For a one and a half quarts there is a little over 2600 calories. A LOT! Wow! However do not let that discourage you. Honestly you need only a few bites to satisfy your sweet tooth.
With that being said here is the recipe. Happy eating:
2 1/2 cups strawberries or other berries of your choice (measure before you dice them up). *NOTE: You can use frozen strawberries just thaw them out and place in to a bullet like machine. You can puree it if you like but I like chunks of fruit in my ice cream
2 cups heavy cream (16 oz is the size you will need)
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk *Note: I used low fat here honestly you can not tell the difference
Using an electric mixer on high speed beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix for another minute longer. Fold in your berries of choice (make sure its well blended). Then put into the freezer for a minimum of 7 hours. Im not sure how long this keeps because it's usually gone by the second day I make it! Major ice cream lovers in the house!
At first I was doubtful. 3 ingredients? Really? Could it work? Yet again the "clean" factor of making my own food got me. The price factor is about the same amount as buying store bought-packed full of preservative ice cream. The price all depends on the ingredients you get and how much your store is charging for those items. I also calculated out how much the ice cream calorie wise would be and the light bulb of "NOW I know WHY ice cream is FULL of CALORIES" turned on. For a one and a half quarts there is a little over 2600 calories. A LOT! Wow! However do not let that discourage you. Honestly you need only a few bites to satisfy your sweet tooth.
With that being said here is the recipe. Happy eating:
 The recipe and picture came from: |
| http://www.fatgirltrappedinaskinnybody.com/2012/03/strawberry-ice-cre |
2 1/2 cups strawberries or other berries of your choice (measure before you dice them up). *NOTE: You can use frozen strawberries just thaw them out and place in to a bullet like machine. You can puree it if you like but I like chunks of fruit in my ice cream
2 cups heavy cream (16 oz is the size you will need)
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk *Note: I used low fat here honestly you can not tell the difference
Using an electric mixer on high speed beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix for another minute longer. Fold in your berries of choice (make sure its well blended). Then put into the freezer for a minimum of 7 hours. Im not sure how long this keeps because it's usually gone by the second day I make it! Major ice cream lovers in the house!
7 Temmuz 2012 Cumartesi
Noritake - beautiful new ranges
To contact us Click HERE
I've been busy over the last few years updating the Noritake image library and bringing their products new life through great imagery.
Most of our parents knew Noritake as exceptional quality Japanese fine bone china. My Mum got a Noritake set as a wedding gift. The quality hasn't changed, but over the years Noritake seems to have lost it's massive popularity, the products are great and excellent value for money so there is really no reason why this should be the case, we just needed to remind people about their great ranges.
Along with the Noritake Australia MD Terry Iwata, his National Sales Manager Steven Yeend and Marketing Manager Yoko Gomi we have started to create a bank of images that is finally targeted to the Australian market. Noritake is for people who want quality in their everyday living.
I hope you like my latest range shots for Noritake's new Black on Black and White on White range. This is a mix and match range with 3 different textured finishes in black & white, along with new images for their Hampshire Platinum range and a cutlery set that will be available soon, I certainly enjoyed styling and shooting them.
Brandee
Noritake Black On Black and White On White Range
Noritake Hampshire Platinum Range shot
Noritake Cutlery photographed on Hampshire Platinum Dinner & accent plates
Most of our parents knew Noritake as exceptional quality Japanese fine bone china. My Mum got a Noritake set as a wedding gift. The quality hasn't changed, but over the years Noritake seems to have lost it's massive popularity, the products are great and excellent value for money so there is really no reason why this should be the case, we just needed to remind people about their great ranges.
Along with the Noritake Australia MD Terry Iwata, his National Sales Manager Steven Yeend and Marketing Manager Yoko Gomi we have started to create a bank of images that is finally targeted to the Australian market. Noritake is for people who want quality in their everyday living.
I hope you like my latest range shots for Noritake's new Black on Black and White on White range. This is a mix and match range with 3 different textured finishes in black & white, along with new images for their Hampshire Platinum range and a cutlery set that will be available soon, I certainly enjoyed styling and shooting them.
Brandee
Noritake Black On Black and White On White RangeNoritake Hampshire Platinum Range shotNoritake Cutlery photographed on Hampshire Platinum Dinner & accent platesWelcome to Tom Tramonte
To contact us Click HERE
Hi everyone,
For those of you who haven't already met, I just wanted to introduce you to my new assistant and right hand man Tom Tramonte.
Tom is currently studying at my old College, Sydney Institute's Ultimo Campus three days a week, so he will be working in the studio & on location shoots with me on Wednesdays & Fridays.
His e-mail address is studio@brandeemeier.com.au
I'm looking forward to you all meeting him, he's a welcome addition to the studio.
Brandee
For those of you who haven't already met, I just wanted to introduce you to my new assistant and right hand man Tom Tramonte.
Tom is currently studying at my old College, Sydney Institute's Ultimo Campus three days a week, so he will be working in the studio & on location shoots with me on Wednesdays & Fridays.
His e-mail address is studio@brandeemeier.com.au
I'm looking forward to you all meeting him, he's a welcome addition to the studio.
Brandee
Residents & Carers
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Hi everyone,
Tom and I had the pleasure of photographing some lovely senior citizens and their kind carers this week.We visited a great facility to photograph the staff and residents for their new brochures and marketing material.It was so nice to work with such lovely people and to know that it was a truly enjoyable place to live.Here are a few of my favourite shots from the day.
Brandee
Tom and I had the pleasure of photographing some lovely senior citizens and their kind carers this week.We visited a great facility to photograph the staff and residents for their new brochures and marketing material.It was so nice to work with such lovely people and to know that it was a truly enjoyable place to live.Here are a few of my favourite shots from the day.
Brandee
Jack Daniels Honey Advertising Campaign
To contact us Click HERE
You'll be spotting these posters around for the New Jack Daniels Honey Burbon that will be hitting the stores soon, I tried it and it's pretty yummo!
We had great time shooting the cocktails (and testing them out) for the poster in studio. With the amazing art direction of Kevin O'Toole who designed the fabulous posters I'm looking forward a few more Jack Daniels Honey cocktails mmmm
Cheers
Brandee
We had great time shooting the cocktails (and testing them out) for the poster in studio. With the amazing art direction of Kevin O'Toole who designed the fabulous posters I'm looking forward a few more Jack Daniels Honey cocktails mmmm
Cheers
Brandee
Published in Donna Hay Magazine
To contact us Click HERE
I've been a subscriber and a fan of Donna Hay Magazine for many years. I love the food and the amazing styling that Donna is famous for, so I'm always excited to get the latest issue in the letterbox.
So, you can imagine just how excited I was to be flicking through the Jun/Jul issue and to see my Ad published. Yay!
Donna and her team are a truly creative force that have changed the face of food photography and styling not only in Australia but around the world. I am so proud to have an image published in her latest issue, check it out!
Brandee xx
So, you can imagine just how excited I was to be flicking through the Jun/Jul issue and to see my Ad published. Yay!
Donna and her team are a truly creative force that have changed the face of food photography and styling not only in Australia but around the world. I am so proud to have an image published in her latest issue, check it out!
Brandee xx
5 Temmuz 2012 Perşembe
(Cocktail Recipe) The Scorpion
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GET OVER HERE! Not for a FATALITY, but a great way to beat the summer heat. Summertime is the time for classic Tiki Style tropical cocktails, they're fun, they're tasty and they usually pack a whallop. The Scorpion is no different. I know, I know, these type cocktails are too sweet you say and they wind up being syrupy and not thirst quenching. That's not true if you do them correctly. Most bars operate on profit margins so thin they cut costs where ever they can, and unfortunately that usually means watered down drinks with lots of fruit juice and little of anything else. Check out the classic scorpion recipe.
1 oz light rum
1 oz brandy
1 oz orange juice
1.5 oz or half a lime juice
1/2 oz Orgeat Syrup
Some recipes call for powdered sugar or simple syrup, but I've found that if you're using a commercial Orgeat syrup like the great stuff from Torani it's sweet enough not to need it.
Shake and serve over ice in a high ball glass. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and paper umbrella.
The drink is light, thirst quenching, and easy to drink many of. Do not confuse the classic Scorpion with that abomination called The Scorpion Bowl that's usually served at your favorite Japanese steak house show bar. You know the one that comes in a bucket with 5 straws. This is not it. The Scorpion and the Scorpion Bowl usually get concocted with more fruit juice, sour mix, amaretto, and all manner of things. This makes it syrupy and way too sweet. Try the classic Scorpion, but Watch out for that sting.
GET OVER HERE! Not for a FATALITY, but a great way to beat the summer heat. Summertime is the time for classic Tiki Style tropical cocktails, they're fun, they're tasty and they usually pack a whallop. The Scorpion is no different. I know, I know, these type cocktails are too sweet you say and they wind up being syrupy and not thirst quenching. That's not true if you do them correctly. Most bars operate on profit margins so thin they cut costs where ever they can, and unfortunately that usually means watered down drinks with lots of fruit juice and little of anything else. Check out the classic scorpion recipe.
1 oz light rum
1 oz brandy
1 oz orange juice
1.5 oz or half a lime juice
1/2 oz Orgeat Syrup
Some recipes call for powdered sugar or simple syrup, but I've found that if you're using a commercial Orgeat syrup like the great stuff from Torani it's sweet enough not to need it.
Shake and serve over ice in a high ball glass. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and paper umbrella.
The drink is light, thirst quenching, and easy to drink many of. Do not confuse the classic Scorpion with that abomination called The Scorpion Bowl that's usually served at your favorite Japanese steak house show bar. You know the one that comes in a bucket with 5 straws. This is not it. The Scorpion and the Scorpion Bowl usually get concocted with more fruit juice, sour mix, amaretto, and all manner of things. This makes it syrupy and way too sweet. Try the classic Scorpion, but Watch out for that sting.
(Review) Goslings Family Reserve Old Rum 80 proof
To contact us Click HERE
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 10 Wow! wood box with straw, wax dipped, numbered bottle
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 10 Jewel Like, amber, shimmering
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 9 vanilla, oak, molasses, hint of citrus
Initial impression: 1-10 points
Score: 10 impressive, smells intoxicating
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9 tingly on the tongue, slightly oily
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 40 smooth, tart, oily, big molasses, no burn
Raw Score: 89 points
Bonus: Value 1-10 points
Score: 6 $65 a bottle, spendy, received as a gift
Total Score: 95 points
Here's some booty for you. It comes packed in a box that looks like Indiana Jones himself absconded with it from that fabled secret warehouse. Rum that's kept under glass, well Plexiglas. A flat black bottle, sealed with wax, that's apparently hand numbered. Marketing gimmick aside, this Rum deserves it's special treatment. Goslings has been making high quality Bermuda Rum since 1860. According to their website they have had their base store in Bermuda for 157 years and this Rum is proof that they know what they're doing (Not that Black Seal wasn't enough). It's sipping rum, like fine bourbon or scotch. Please don't mix it in a cocktail. Unwinding with a little on the rocks is all you need. The flavor is smooth and complex, it's got those nuances that you can tell it's carefully crafted. A tingle on the tongue, smokey molasses, with a hint of spice, oak and citrus. Balance is the word that comes to mind and the quality of flavor doesn't make me think of pirates like rum usually does, but perhaps a formal dinner at the governor's mansion. There's nothing rough and tumble about this. It's refined and almost proper. It makes me want to do this I must admit Gosling's Black Seal is my favorite rum and this seems to be the ultimate it could become if cared for and aged to completion.
I received it as a gift and as a gift it fits the bill perfectly. It has great presentation factor and most people have not tasted rum this good. It will be a new experience for most, and I must thank my friend Dave again for a present I probably wouldn't buy for myself.
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 10 Wow! wood box with straw, wax dipped, numbered bottle
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 10 Jewel Like, amber, shimmering
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 9 vanilla, oak, molasses, hint of citrus
Initial impression: 1-10 points
Score: 10 impressive, smells intoxicating
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9 tingly on the tongue, slightly oily
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 40 smooth, tart, oily, big molasses, no burn
Raw Score: 89 points
Bonus: Value 1-10 points
Score: 6 $65 a bottle, spendy, received as a gift
Total Score: 95 points
Here's some booty for you. It comes packed in a box that looks like Indiana Jones himself absconded with it from that fabled secret warehouse. Rum that's kept under glass, well Plexiglas. A flat black bottle, sealed with wax, that's apparently hand numbered. Marketing gimmick aside, this Rum deserves it's special treatment. Goslings has been making high quality Bermuda Rum since 1860. According to their website they have had their base store in Bermuda for 157 years and this Rum is proof that they know what they're doing (Not that Black Seal wasn't enough). It's sipping rum, like fine bourbon or scotch. Please don't mix it in a cocktail. Unwinding with a little on the rocks is all you need. The flavor is smooth and complex, it's got those nuances that you can tell it's carefully crafted. A tingle on the tongue, smokey molasses, with a hint of spice, oak and citrus. Balance is the word that comes to mind and the quality of flavor doesn't make me think of pirates like rum usually does, but perhaps a formal dinner at the governor's mansion. There's nothing rough and tumble about this. It's refined and almost proper. It makes me want to do this I must admit Gosling's Black Seal is my favorite rum and this seems to be the ultimate it could become if cared for and aged to completion.
I received it as a gift and as a gift it fits the bill perfectly. It has great presentation factor and most people have not tasted rum this good. It will be a new experience for most, and I must thank my friend Dave again for a present I probably wouldn't buy for myself.
(Review) Hendrick's Gin 88 proof
To contact us Click HERE
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 9 Nifty bottle, Interesting reputation
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 10 I think Gin and Vodka are cheating here
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 9 light juniper botanicals, also orange, coriander, fresh scent
Initial impression: 1-10 points
Score: 10 so far seems quite excellent
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9 thicker than regular gin then disappears
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 36 pepper, cucumber, orange, lemon, rose, clean taste, fast burn then gone
Raw Score: 83 points
Bonus: Value 1-10 points
Score: 9 $34 a bottle, right in line with other premium gins
Total Score: 92 points
An interesting gin. I could really leave it at that and do it justice, but It doesn't really tell you about it now does it. This gin is like one of your friends relationships when you're wondering how that happened and they say well it's complicated and leave it at that. As if you're some 6 yr old that won't understand grown up things. Although the description will fit I'm not about to treat you that way. Hendrick's Gin doesn't think you should be treated that way either and they're pleased to tell you all about this gin of theirs and why it's different. The website is rather amusing and looks like a Terry Gilliam segment of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Hendrick's is a Scottish gin. Hell you say? No Really it is. It's a pleasant, smooth gin that's not too juniper and has an interesting aftertaste. I came to learn while drinking Hendrick's that my tongue associates cucumbers with salt. That's the big difference, a very slight taste of cool cucumbers. I kept thinking it was a salty flavor, but there's no salt in it. Hence my discovery. It's not cucumber infused and doesn't taste like cucumbers, it's very slight and you might miss it. If you make it in a gin and tonic with a cucumber slice it becomes more prevalent. It and the rose petal aroma are very, very, ethereal. You only notice them like a ghost walked into the room. What was that! A strange encounter. You will not mistake this for something else. It's flavor is Gin. Juniper and Botanicals. If you like Tanq 10 or Bombay Sapphire this is worth a try. A light almost refreshing gin that has become my top shelf favorite.
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 9 Nifty bottle, Interesting reputation
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 10 I think Gin and Vodka are cheating here
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 9 light juniper botanicals, also orange, coriander, fresh scent
Initial impression: 1-10 points
Score: 10 so far seems quite excellent
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9 thicker than regular gin then disappears
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 36 pepper, cucumber, orange, lemon, rose, clean taste, fast burn then gone
Raw Score: 83 points
Bonus: Value 1-10 points
Score: 9 $34 a bottle, right in line with other premium gins
Total Score: 92 points
An interesting gin. I could really leave it at that and do it justice, but It doesn't really tell you about it now does it. This gin is like one of your friends relationships when you're wondering how that happened and they say well it's complicated and leave it at that. As if you're some 6 yr old that won't understand grown up things. Although the description will fit I'm not about to treat you that way. Hendrick's Gin doesn't think you should be treated that way either and they're pleased to tell you all about this gin of theirs and why it's different. The website is rather amusing and looks like a Terry Gilliam segment of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Hendrick's is a Scottish gin. Hell you say? No Really it is. It's a pleasant, smooth gin that's not too juniper and has an interesting aftertaste. I came to learn while drinking Hendrick's that my tongue associates cucumbers with salt. That's the big difference, a very slight taste of cool cucumbers. I kept thinking it was a salty flavor, but there's no salt in it. Hence my discovery. It's not cucumber infused and doesn't taste like cucumbers, it's very slight and you might miss it. If you make it in a gin and tonic with a cucumber slice it becomes more prevalent. It and the rose petal aroma are very, very, ethereal. You only notice them like a ghost walked into the room. What was that! A strange encounter. You will not mistake this for something else. It's flavor is Gin. Juniper and Botanicals. If you like Tanq 10 or Bombay Sapphire this is worth a try. A light almost refreshing gin that has become my top shelf favorite.
Jack Daniels donating funds to bring soldiers home for the holidays? Awesome!
To contact us Click HERE
Anyone who knows me knows I love my Jack Daniels products - particularly Single Barrel and Gentleman's Jack. Now, I've got even more reason to buy their stuff.
It turns out they're donating a tidy sum to bring soldiers home for the holidays. If you're a JD fan, now's the time to spring for the big bottle...or one of their higher-quality offerings. Me? I'm going to pick up another bottle of Gentleman's after payday.
I'm also impressed with the folks who check the "contact us" messages - apparently they send real responses, rather than form letters. Who does that anymore?
Keep up the good work, guys.
It turns out they're donating a tidy sum to bring soldiers home for the holidays. If you're a JD fan, now's the time to spring for the big bottle...or one of their higher-quality offerings. Me? I'm going to pick up another bottle of Gentleman's after payday.
I'm also impressed with the folks who check the "contact us" messages - apparently they send real responses, rather than form letters. Who does that anymore?
Keep up the good work, guys.
(Cocktail Recipes) Holiday
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I haven't run away yet, just got kinda busy and didn't feel like blogging, but I have some holiday cheer for you, and I figured I'd better get this up so there's still time to buy some ingredients.
I was thinking of some holiday cocktails, and when I went looking I saw lots of the same old stuff. If you go looking you'll find lots of recipe's for traditional drinks like mead or very heavy and sweet dessert cocktails and coffee. This was all well and good when you need something warming and stout, but most of us will be flitting to office and house parties where it's plenty warm and there's plenty of food. We don't need anything nearly that heavy, so here's some suggestions for some lighter cocktails that still give you some Christmas color or flavor.
1.) Looking for something tasty and elegant? Try a French 75. This sparkling cocktail is light to drink and full of flavor.
3 oz Dry Champagne
3 oz London Gin (that's right I said put the gin in your champagne)
1 oz Lemon juice
1/2 - 1 Tsp of powdered sugar
Add a twist of lemon or drop a cherry in it
This drink works best if you mix the gin, lemon juice and sugar in a shaker and pour it into the Champagne then stir. Serve in a Collins glass
2.) Planters Punch (Red) A simple classic you can adjust up to make party size punch.
3 oz Dark Rum
1 oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Grenadine
Club Soda
To give it a little mystery flavor add some Orgeat Syrup.
Mix in a shaker and top with club soda
3.) The Grasshopper (Green)
This classic cocktail has fallen out of favor as of late, but if you like mint chocolate chip anything you'll probably like it. It's creamy but not nearly as heavy as many of those eggnog concoctions.
1.5 oz Creme DE Cacao (white)
1.5 oz Creme DE Menthe (green)
3 oz Fresh Cream
Mix in a shaker and serve in a martini glass garnish with sprig of mint.
4.) The Chinese (RED)
See review and recipe here
5.) The Dark and Stormy (Winter Solstice) It's dark and mysterious looking but pretty light on your stomach.
3-6 oz Dark or Black Rum (Did someone say Goslings?)
12 oz Ginger Beer (Find it, do not use ginger ale it will ruin it, it needs the snap)
Dash of Lime Juice and a Lime wedge garnish.
Mix in a Collins Glass. Just fill it up with Rum and add the ginger beer as you drink it ;)
Bonus 6.) The Alligator (Green) (I can only find this listed as an Alligator in one location, but I altered it. I'd call it a Ten-Forward as it looks like something served in that Famous Star Trek lounge. It's Tiki Drink Style, A little sweet, Smooth, Easy to Drink and Lots of Alcohol.)
3 oz Vodka
3 oz Melon Liqueur
1 oz Triple Sec
1 oz Lemon Juice
1/2 tsp powered Sugar
6 oz Orange Juice
Mix in a shaker and pour into a Collins Glass.
Cheers to You! I hope Your Holidays will be Merry!
I was thinking of some holiday cocktails, and when I went looking I saw lots of the same old stuff. If you go looking you'll find lots of recipe's for traditional drinks like mead or very heavy and sweet dessert cocktails and coffee. This was all well and good when you need something warming and stout, but most of us will be flitting to office and house parties where it's plenty warm and there's plenty of food. We don't need anything nearly that heavy, so here's some suggestions for some lighter cocktails that still give you some Christmas color or flavor.
1.) Looking for something tasty and elegant? Try a French 75. This sparkling cocktail is light to drink and full of flavor.
3 oz Dry Champagne
3 oz London Gin (that's right I said put the gin in your champagne)
1 oz Lemon juice
1/2 - 1 Tsp of powdered sugar
Add a twist of lemon or drop a cherry in it
This drink works best if you mix the gin, lemon juice and sugar in a shaker and pour it into the Champagne then stir. Serve in a Collins glass
2.) Planters Punch (Red) A simple classic you can adjust up to make party size punch.
3 oz Dark Rum
1 oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Grenadine
Club Soda
To give it a little mystery flavor add some Orgeat Syrup.
Mix in a shaker and top with club soda
3.) The Grasshopper (Green)
This classic cocktail has fallen out of favor as of late, but if you like mint chocolate chip anything you'll probably like it. It's creamy but not nearly as heavy as many of those eggnog concoctions.
1.5 oz Creme DE Cacao (white)
1.5 oz Creme DE Menthe (green)
3 oz Fresh Cream
Mix in a shaker and serve in a martini glass garnish with sprig of mint.
4.) The Chinese (RED)
See review and recipe here
5.) The Dark and Stormy (Winter Solstice) It's dark and mysterious looking but pretty light on your stomach.
3-6 oz Dark or Black Rum (Did someone say Goslings?)
12 oz Ginger Beer (Find it, do not use ginger ale it will ruin it, it needs the snap)
Dash of Lime Juice and a Lime wedge garnish.
Mix in a Collins Glass. Just fill it up with Rum and add the ginger beer as you drink it ;)
Bonus 6.) The Alligator (Green) (I can only find this listed as an Alligator in one location, but I altered it. I'd call it a Ten-Forward as it looks like something served in that Famous Star Trek lounge. It's Tiki Drink Style, A little sweet, Smooth, Easy to Drink and Lots of Alcohol.)
3 oz Vodka
3 oz Melon Liqueur
1 oz Triple Sec
1 oz Lemon Juice
1/2 tsp powered Sugar
6 oz Orange Juice
Mix in a shaker and pour into a Collins Glass.
Cheers to You! I hope Your Holidays will be Merry!
4 Temmuz 2012 Çarşamba
Red State/Blue State Bourbons
To contact us Click HERE
• The presidential caucus being held today in Iowa is the starter for the run-up to the November presidential election. Heaven Hill Distilleries is using the event to try a clever marketing gimmick -- Red State and Blue State bourbons.
This entertaining marketing effort allows political-minded consumer to purchase a bottle of bourbon along party lines -- Red State for Republicans, Blue State for Democrats. The colors are in line with politial pundits' nicknames for states that tend to vote one way or the other in presidential elections.
However, Heaven Hill Distilleries is being very neutral despite the political overtones. The two bourbons are actually the same, just with different labels. And, if you click on "like" on either one's Facebook page, the same $1 donation goes to the same organization, the VFW Foundation.
Heaven Hill generally makes nice spirits -- rye, bourbon, gin, bodka, etc. -- and this basic bourbon is one of them. Bottled at 80 proof, it has plenty of wood notes on the tongue and a lot of the requisite caramel and vanilla notes.
It seems to be just a touch raw, although it is aged at least two years since it is labeled "straight bourbon," but let it breathe for just a few minutes, or open up over a couple of cubes of ice and you have a nice drink. I especially liked it in my favorite cocktail, a bourbon Manhattan.
If you like this one, stock up because it won't be produced after this year.
Suggested retail price: About $15 for a 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
• The presidential caucus being held today in Iowa is the starter for the run-up to the November presidential election. Heaven Hill Distilleries is using the event to try a clever marketing gimmick -- Red State and Blue State bourbons.This entertaining marketing effort allows political-minded consumer to purchase a bottle of bourbon along party lines -- Red State for Republicans, Blue State for Democrats. The colors are in line with politial pundits' nicknames for states that tend to vote one way or the other in presidential elections.
However, Heaven Hill Distilleries is being very neutral despite the political overtones. The two bourbons are actually the same, just with different labels. And, if you click on "like" on either one's Facebook page, the same $1 donation goes to the same organization, the VFW Foundation.
Heaven Hill generally makes nice spirits -- rye, bourbon, gin, bodka, etc. -- and this basic bourbon is one of them. Bottled at 80 proof, it has plenty of wood notes on the tongue and a lot of the requisite caramel and vanilla notes.
It seems to be just a touch raw, although it is aged at least two years since it is labeled "straight bourbon," but let it breathe for just a few minutes, or open up over a couple of cubes of ice and you have a nice drink. I especially liked it in my favorite cocktail, a bourbon Manhattan.
If you like this one, stock up because it won't be produced after this year.
Suggested retail price: About $15 for a 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
Conjure Cognac
To contact us Click HERE
• I've always wondered why rapper Chris Bridges uses the stage name "Ludacris." Sure, it's a play on his first name, but the correct spelling -- ludicrous -- certainly isn't something most people would want to be called. Nevertheless, the name hasn't hurt his career as Grammy winner and businessman. He's the spokesman for Birkedal Hartmann, the French maker of cognac for the past century and seems to be doing just fine. The company, incidentally, guarantees that Brown had a major role in developing the product.
It's statistically shown in the spirits industry that African Americans constitute the largest U.S. consumer group for cognac, closely followed by Asian Americans.
So, if you like the same musical genre enjoyed by many blacks, enjoy, because it permeates Conjure's video and print advertising. Even if you don't, persevere. Once you wade through all that you'll find a pretty good cognac awaiting you.
Fourth-generation wine and spirits producer Kim Birkedal Hartmann, who makes no bones about liking new products, got together with Brown and master blender Philippe B. Tiffon to come up with Conjure.
It is made from the ugni blanc grape and aged in 50-year-old French Limousin oak barrels.
It's a lighter cognac, less viscous than most, with a sweet/floral nose, and distinct notes of roses, almonds and cardamom along with vanilla and caramel, the latter two not unexpected given the French oak in which it is matured. The finish is pleasingly long, allowing for contemplation and enjoyment of the warmth and flavor.
The house of Birkedal Hartmann suggests using Conjure in cocktails (one example, the Sunset Boulevard -- 2 ounces Conjure, one ounce orange liqueur, splashes of lime and orange juices and a few drops of grenadine). I suggest merely allowing it to open in a tasting glass, then sipping your way into a very good mood.
Retail price: $29.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
• I've always wondered why rapper Chris Bridges uses the stage name "Ludacris." Sure, it's a play on his first name, but the correct spelling -- ludicrous -- certainly isn't something most people would want to be called. Nevertheless, the name hasn't hurt his career as Grammy winner and businessman. He's the spokesman for Birkedal Hartmann, the French maker of cognac for the past century and seems to be doing just fine. The company, incidentally, guarantees that Brown had a major role in developing the product.It's statistically shown in the spirits industry that African Americans constitute the largest U.S. consumer group for cognac, closely followed by Asian Americans.
So, if you like the same musical genre enjoyed by many blacks, enjoy, because it permeates Conjure's video and print advertising. Even if you don't, persevere. Once you wade through all that you'll find a pretty good cognac awaiting you.
Fourth-generation wine and spirits producer Kim Birkedal Hartmann, who makes no bones about liking new products, got together with Brown and master blender Philippe B. Tiffon to come up with Conjure.
It is made from the ugni blanc grape and aged in 50-year-old French Limousin oak barrels.
It's a lighter cognac, less viscous than most, with a sweet/floral nose, and distinct notes of roses, almonds and cardamom along with vanilla and caramel, the latter two not unexpected given the French oak in which it is matured. The finish is pleasingly long, allowing for contemplation and enjoyment of the warmth and flavor.
The house of Birkedal Hartmann suggests using Conjure in cocktails (one example, the Sunset Boulevard -- 2 ounces Conjure, one ounce orange liqueur, splashes of lime and orange juices and a few drops of grenadine). I suggest merely allowing it to open in a tasting glass, then sipping your way into a very good mood.
Retail price: $29.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
White Pike Whiskey
To contact us Click HERE
• The popularity of the market niche for unaged whiskey among American craft distillers shows no signs of slowing. In fact just the opposite. One of the latest players is a New York State white spirit its makers boast is "aged 18 minutes in reused cooperage."
"Crafted by a man trained in the Alabama school of fast whiskey, White Pike is a refined spirit made to be shot, sipped, or mixed."
I presume that quote from Finger Lakes Distilling refers to Thomas Earl McKenzie, one of the two unrelated McKenzies who make this burgeoning Upstate New York company one of the hottest craft distillers around.
White Pike is made from a mash of 59% corn, 28% organic spelt and 13% malted wheat. Despite its lack of aging, the malted wheat provides a bit of a woody taste that smooths the edges of what usually is a sharp product. It is warm and slightly syrupy on the tongue, surprisingly light on the palate and provides a clean finish that pure-corn unaged spirits often miss.
It is bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof) and packaged in a bottle that is half black and half clear, making it stand out on the shelf.
White Pike is sort of a co-op project with Mother New York, a decidedly offbeat company that lists its services as "Creating White Pike Advertising, Design, Misc. festivities, Short films, Longer films, Puppetry, Fine spirits, Internet things, Video games, High quality still photography, Business cards, Sausage making, etc."
The corn and wheat come from the Burdett, Seneca County, area, where the distillery is located. The spelt is imported from nearby Canadian growers.
Retail price: $39.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
• The popularity of the market niche for unaged whiskey among American craft distillers shows no signs of slowing. In fact just the opposite. One of the latest players is a New York State white spirit its makers boast is "aged 18 minutes in reused cooperage." "Crafted by a man trained in the Alabama school of fast whiskey, White Pike is a refined spirit made to be shot, sipped, or mixed."
I presume that quote from Finger Lakes Distilling refers to Thomas Earl McKenzie, one of the two unrelated McKenzies who make this burgeoning Upstate New York company one of the hottest craft distillers around.
White Pike is made from a mash of 59% corn, 28% organic spelt and 13% malted wheat. Despite its lack of aging, the malted wheat provides a bit of a woody taste that smooths the edges of what usually is a sharp product. It is warm and slightly syrupy on the tongue, surprisingly light on the palate and provides a clean finish that pure-corn unaged spirits often miss.
It is bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof) and packaged in a bottle that is half black and half clear, making it stand out on the shelf.
White Pike is sort of a co-op project with Mother New York, a decidedly offbeat company that lists its services as "Creating White Pike Advertising, Design, Misc. festivities, Short films, Longer films, Puppetry, Fine spirits, Internet things, Video games, High quality still photography, Business cards, Sausage making, etc."
The corn and wheat come from the Burdett, Seneca County, area, where the distillery is located. The spelt is imported from nearby Canadian growers.
Retail price: $39.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
Knob Creek Rye Whiskey
To contact us Click HERE
• Knob Creek is among bourbon royalty, running up more sales than any other in the super premium category. Now, it is about to release a new whiskey to get into the competition in a resurgent category -- rye.
Fred Noe is in the direct line of distillers from the Beam family that has give us some of the best American whiskeys for generations. This new product, which will go on the market in July, comes two decades after his father, Booker Noe, created Knob Creek Bourbon.
This is Fred's second Knob Creek expression, the first one released last year under the Single Barrel Reserve name. It was a hit, and there is no reason his rye whiskey shouldn't follow suit.
I tried it both straight -- with an ice cube to help open it up -- as well as in a Manhattan, and give it an eager thumbs-up both ways.
The light amber color and the spiciness of the rye mash on the nose are immediately appealing. The bold flavor, with notes of herbs, oak and vanilla usually found in good bourbons, is pleasing, but the kick of the rye adds another layer of pleasure. In combination with sweet vermouth, it is powerful enough to maintain its own character while easily blending with the other spirit for an excellent drink.
The whiskey is bottled at 100 proof (50% abv) in the same-shaped bottle as Knob Creek bourbon.
Suggested retail price: $40.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
• Knob Creek is among bourbon royalty, running up more sales than any other in the super premium category. Now, it is about to release a new whiskey to get into the competition in a resurgent category -- rye.Fred Noe is in the direct line of distillers from the Beam family that has give us some of the best American whiskeys for generations. This new product, which will go on the market in July, comes two decades after his father, Booker Noe, created Knob Creek Bourbon.
This is Fred's second Knob Creek expression, the first one released last year under the Single Barrel Reserve name. It was a hit, and there is no reason his rye whiskey shouldn't follow suit.
I tried it both straight -- with an ice cube to help open it up -- as well as in a Manhattan, and give it an eager thumbs-up both ways.
The light amber color and the spiciness of the rye mash on the nose are immediately appealing. The bold flavor, with notes of herbs, oak and vanilla usually found in good bourbons, is pleasing, but the kick of the rye adds another layer of pleasure. In combination with sweet vermouth, it is powerful enough to maintain its own character while easily blending with the other spirit for an excellent drink.
The whiskey is bottled at 100 proof (50% abv) in the same-shaped bottle as Knob Creek bourbon.
Suggested retail price: $40.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry
To contact us Click HERE
• The industry push to crank out more and more flavored whiskies -- aimed primarily at the female and young adult market niches -- is embracing numerous brands. Here, an iconic old label has joined the rush once more.
Southern Comfort missed the mark in its try for something different in the form of Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper, which debuted last fall. Now, it's back for another go-round, this time with Bold Black Cherry. They may have tried too hard.
As I have found with several other cherry-flavored spirits, the cherry is rather treacly and overpowering.
The sample I received came packaged with a Coke Zero, and the urging to try the two beverages as a cocktail. Even though Coke Zero has no calories, it does have its own sweet taste, and the cocktail ingredients did not enhance either of them. In fact, the various flavors clashed on all levels.
The original Southern Comfort is itself a flavored whiskey -- notes of peach, oak, honey and a tiny touch of spice -- but the distiller doesn't seem to be breaking any real ground with its latest attempts to broaden the product line.
It would, however, be a shame to think that it won't somewhere along the line find a fitting portfolio-mate to the original Southern Comfort created by a bartender in the New Orleans French Quarter way back in 1874.
Bold Black Cherry is bottled at 35% abv (70 proof).
Suggested retail price: $16.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
• The industry push to crank out more and more flavored whiskies -- aimed primarily at the female and young adult market niches -- is embracing numerous brands. Here, an iconic old label has joined the rush once more.Southern Comfort missed the mark in its try for something different in the form of Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper, which debuted last fall. Now, it's back for another go-round, this time with Bold Black Cherry. They may have tried too hard.
As I have found with several other cherry-flavored spirits, the cherry is rather treacly and overpowering.
The sample I received came packaged with a Coke Zero, and the urging to try the two beverages as a cocktail. Even though Coke Zero has no calories, it does have its own sweet taste, and the cocktail ingredients did not enhance either of them. In fact, the various flavors clashed on all levels.
The original Southern Comfort is itself a flavored whiskey -- notes of peach, oak, honey and a tiny touch of spice -- but the distiller doesn't seem to be breaking any real ground with its latest attempts to broaden the product line.
It would, however, be a shame to think that it won't somewhere along the line find a fitting portfolio-mate to the original Southern Comfort created by a bartender in the New Orleans French Quarter way back in 1874.
Bold Black Cherry is bottled at 35% abv (70 proof).
Suggested retail price: $16.99 for the 750ml bottle.
Go to Dowd's Spirits Notebook.
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